SMS Terms and Conditions

JACLYN BENZONI OD, PC

SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Please read these SMS Terms & Conditions carefully. By providing your mobile telephone number and opting in to receive text messages from JACLYN BENZONI OD, PC (referred to as "we," "us," or "the Practice"), you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, as well as our overall Website Terms of Use and our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.

1. Program Description & Types of Messages

By opting into our text messaging program, you consent to receive automated and manual SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) communications from the Practice. Depending on your interactions with us, these messages may include:

• Administrative & Transactional: Appointment confirmations, reminders, schedule changes, and operating hour alerts.
• Care Coordination: Patient portal notifications, pre-appointment preparation instructions, and general post-care follow-ups.
• Billing & Account Updates: Invoice availability, payment reminders, and insurance/billing updates.
• Health & Wellness Information: General health tips, seasonal clinic updates (e.g., flu shot availability), and news.
• Promotional Messages: Information regarding new services or events (sent only if you have provided separate, explicit marketing consent).

2. Consent is Not a Condition of Care

Your consent to enroll in our SMS program is completely voluntary. You are not required to consent to receive text messages as a condition of receiving healthcare services, treatments, or products from our practice.

3. Message Cadence and Frequency

The frequency of text messages you receive will vary depending on your treatment plan, scheduled appointments, and interactions with our office. Message frequency may vary.

4. Message and Data Rates May Apply

The Practice does not charge a fee for our text messaging service. However, standard message and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier according to your specific mobile plan. You are solely responsible for any charges or fees incurred from your carrier for receiving or sending text messages.

5. How to Opt-Out (Unsubscribe)

You can cancel or opt-out of our SMS service at any time. To stop receiving text messages from us:

• Reply STOP to any text message you receive from the Practice.
• After texting STOP, you will receive one final text message confirming that you have been unsubscribed. After this confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from that specific text program unless you choose to opt back in.
• Please note that opting out of text alerts will not cancel your scheduled medical appointments.

6. How to Get Help or Support

If you are experiencing issues with our text messaging program or have questions, you can request help at any time:

• Reply HELP directly to any text message you receive from us.
• Contact our office administrative staff directly by phone at (516) 546-3227 or email at Merrick@drbenzoni.com.

7. HIPAA, Privacy, and Security Disclaimers

• Security Risk: Standard SMS/MMS text messages are transmitted over open cellular networks and are not fully secure or encrypted. There is an inherent risk that unsecure text messages could be intercepted or viewed by unauthorized third parties. By opting in, you acknowledge and accept this security risk.
• No Protected Health Information (PHI): The Practice minimizes the use of sensitive health details in text messages. Do not reply to text messages with private medical information, diagnoses, test results, or detailed clinical questions. For secure communications, please use our HIPAA-compliant [Insert Name of Patient Portal] or call our office directly.
• Data Sharing: Mobile phone numbers collected for SMS consent and opt-in purposes will not be shared, sold, or rented to third parties for marketing purposes.

8. No Medical Advice & Emergency Disclaimer

• NOT FOR EMERGENCIES: Our text messaging system is monitored only during standard business hours and must never be used for urgent medical matters or emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
• No Clinical Advice: Information sent via text message is for administrative, logistics, and informational purposes only. Text messages do not establish a patient-provider relationship and do not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

9. Delivery and Liability Limitations

The Practice and mobile network carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered text messages. Delivery is subject to effective transmission from your wireless network operator and compatibility with your mobile device. SMS services are provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis.

10. Modifications to Terms

The Practice reserves the right to modify or terminate its text messaging program or amend these SMS Terms & Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective immediately upon posting to our website or updating our patient forms. Your continued participation in our text program following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

Corporate Contact Information:
Jaclyn Benzoni OD, PC
2126 Merrick Mall
Merrick, NY 11566
(516) 546-3227
www.DrBenzoni.com